S.B. 2994 Summary

• Establishes a photo red light imaging detector systems program to enforce traffic signal laws on state and county highways in Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island counties.

• Authorizes counties to implement the program using fixed camera equipment that automatically records vehicles running red lights, with citations mailed to registered vehicle owners.

• Requires vendor compensation to be based on equipment value and services only, not on fines collected or revenue generated, to prevent profit-driven placement of cameras.

• Creates a special fund for photo red light imaging detector systems where all fines collected are deposited and expended in the county where the violation occurred for program establishment, operation, management, and maintenance.

• Establishes procedures for citations including prima facie evidence requirements, 30-day response deadlines, and allows registered owners to rebut violations through specific defenses such as identifying the actual driver, emergency vehicle yielding, or stolen vehicle reports.